Susan Farhat, Ph.D.

Dr. Farhat’s research projects at Kettering revolve around materials and surface engineering. Many projects are focused on using atmospheric pressure plasma as a means of modifying and engineering the new surfaces or interfaces. The atmospheric pressure plasma provides a streamlined, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious technique for modification and engineering of surfaces as opposed to other wet chemical techniques.  Examples of some projects include applications such as biomaterials and drug delivery, scratch and abrasion resistant/UV-blocking coatings, and functionalized natural fibers for biocomposites, among others. 

 

Dr. Farhat teaches many of the upper-level chemical engineering courses, including thermodynamics, separations, process control, transport phenomena, and senior design.  In each course, her approach has always been to provide students the learning opportunities necessary to improve and build their problem solving skills.  Through challenging assignments and projects, she holds high expectations for all students in her classes. Dr. Farhat hopes to impart to students that not only is it rewarding to truly dedicate themselves to hard work to overcome obstacles in their classes, but that the deep learning that comes with this is far more important than receiving a perfect score.  Some electives she has taught are focused on polymer and composites engineering.